Lessons from Places about the Lodge

There are at most fourteen officers installed each Masonic year, five elected and nine appointed, and in their installation each receives specific duties and charges. In the ensuing months each performs their assigned duties of opening and closing the lodge, initiating new candidates, conferring degrees, hosting events, and all the activities of the lodge. Many a member wishes to be a part of this officer corps, move "up the line", and attain the title of "Past Master", while others do not.

So, regardless of aspiration and beyond title, there are Masonic lessons to be found in these offices and their duties. Focusing on those who are appointed, the Tiler has a sword as a jewel, which is to make him the guardian of the Lodge, either allowing passage or rejection. But upon reflection, this office serves to remind the Freemason of the need to ever guard his lips, acts, thoughts, and deeds against reproach. In early times the Tiler held a wavy sword to symbolize the flames guarding the Garden of Eden, which is a reminder to each to guard their actions against offense toward God and man. .

If a lodge has the office of Musician, his symbol is a lyre, which represents the value of a moment of pleasure and refreshment. But here the lesson is moderation, for while relaxation is a part of life, masonry is, and must remain, work in action.

The Master of Ceremonies and the Marshal are the guides for candidates and serve to assist the Deacons. The Master of Ceremonies' crossed swords are a reminder of the barrier to be crossed by new Masons in their journey toward improvement and his office is to remind us of the need to serve our new Brothers and our Brethren. The Marshal leads all processions and his crossed batons represented leadership and organization.

The Stewarts are charged to furnish the table during times of refreshment and a cornucopia is their symbol, which represents the plentiful bounty of earth. Here the lesson is attention to the nourishment of our Brethren, both in times of plenty and in need. Each Brother should give generously advice, aid, and support to his Brethren.

The Deacons are to attend the Master and his Wardens in introducing candidates, visitors, and guests, for reception into the Rites directly reflect upon each lodge and the Craft. Their jewels of the Square and Compasses place them at the door of our Craft. The lesson is that when wearing the Square and Compasses each member is a representative of the Fraternity to the World and they should act accordingly.

The last appointed officer is the Chaplin, whose jewel of the Open Bible symbolizes our responsibilities of the Great Architect and His Commandments. The Chaplin's words are lessons in humility, respect, and hope to achieve that happiness from above. In all officer places are found the lessons of service, Brotherly love, and affection, which, upon reflection, are the charges of a Mason.